November 9, 2011
Redlands, California—Esri is now accepting applications for its 2012 GIS Grants for 4-H Program. All 4-H Clubs in the United States, as well as 4-H and Operation Military Kids clubs on American military bases around the world are eligible. Now in its ninth year, the program is designed to help expand the club's twenty-first century mandate for science, engineering, and technology activities.
The grant levels include Getting Started with GIS, ArcGIS Youth Club, and ArcGIS Educator programs. Each grant level has its own eligibility criteria and required activities. Grant recipients receive GIS software, data, and curriculum materials. The grants help introduce 4-H youth to GIS technology, explore careers that use the technology, and conduct a local service project using GIS.
"The grant program has grown steadily as 4-H expands its focus to incorporate GIS technology into more of its activities," says Esther Worker, who manages youth group programs for Esri. "It provides 4-H Club members with access to professional GIS technology and the opportunity to apply that technology to local community service projects."
Through the increased use of GIS technology, 4-H youth across the United States are participating in GIS-related projects of importance to them. Club members in Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas are partnering with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on local projects, while a club in Idaho is working with local emergency management officials to assist with an emergency preparedness plan.
The application period for the 2012 Esri GIS Grants for 4-H is October 1 to December 1, 2011. Specific grant guidelines and the related application links can be found at esri.com/4-H.
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About 4-H
The 4-H Club was founded in Ohio in 1902. Since that time, it has grown to become the largest youth organization in the United States, with more than 6.5 million youth members and adult leaders. It is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information, visit www.4-H.org.
Press Information:
Jim Baumann, Esri
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-1807
E-mail (press only): press@esri.com
General Information: info@esri.com
